These Lions (called 獅子, Pinyin: shīzi), stand to guard against evil spirits. They protect the prosperity of the home, business, or in this case, the park. Entrance Lions have been dated back to the 2nd century BC. Its origins are based in China but have been migrated to all corners of the globe, though most prominently in Japan, Korea, South East Asia.

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Details

If you look carefully at the Lions of Sien Lok Park, you will notice a few subtle differences between them. These lions represent a male and a female lion, reflective of the balance of male and female energies, or Yin and Yang. Existing in perfect harmony, the two lions unify in purpose and strength. While the male lion is meant to protect the outside, or the structure, the female lion protects the inhabitants. The male lion is on the left and the female lion is on the right.

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Traditionally, the male lion holds a ball under his right front paw, while the female lion holds a baby cub under her left paw. The embroidered ball the male holds is symbolic of the world, the lion is asserting power over the world while the cub is representative of the cycle of life.